Today’s NHS cancer data for England shows 32.2% – just shy of one-third of cancer patients – are still waiting too long to start treatment. The aim is for 85% of cancer patients to start treatment within 62 days, but this target has not been reached for a decade.
Our Chair, Professor Pat Price, said:
“Today’s cancer waiting times show yet another missed opportunity to put a stop to dangerous treatment delays.
“Patients should not be kept on the edge of their seats waiting for the chance to access the life-saving treatment they need. It’s an unfortunate reality that these delays have become normalised.
“Proven, cost-effective cancer treatments such as radiotherapy could do so much more. But beyond a pot of funding to replace some of the machines, radiotherapy continues to be overlooked by policymakers and is in crisis.
“If this country is serious about bringing down wait lists and improving cancer survival, we need long-term investment in cancer treatments. In the upcoming National Cancer Plan, I strongly urge the Government to ensure there is provision to deliver world-class radiotherapy.”
Graeme Morris MP
Meanwhile, Grahame Morris MP, Vice Chair of the APPG for Radiotherapy, has spoken on behalf of cancer patients during a Westminster Hall debate. The Easington representative spotlighted the rising number of cancer cases and anxious waits for treatment amongst his constituents.
Take action for UK cancer patients
Please take action today (July 10) and encourage your MP to attend our next Parliamentary event on July 15, where we’ll share regional information on cancer waits.